Eager for action: Selangor striker Faisal Halim. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The FA Cup final should be the platform to spread positivity and unite the fans of bitter rivals Johor Darul Ta’zim and Selangor at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Things have not been smooth between the two sides since Selangor withdrew from playing in the season-opening Charity Shield at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on May 10 due to security concerns.
Selangor decision to skip earned the ire of Malaysian Football League (MFL) as they meted a three-point deduction in the Super League, slapped them with a RM100,00 fine and decided that no fans will be allowed during the second leg of the match between the two sides at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in November.
But upon appeal, all punishments were dropped, except for the fine, which was reduced to RM60,000.
The chronology of events following an acid attack on Selangor striker Faisal Halim by an unknown individual, may fuel the tension, and this is possibly the reason former international Rizal Sukiman is hoping to see the camaraderie between opposing fans during the final.
Rizal, who won the FA Cup with Johor in 1998, said that it’s a final involving the best two teams in the country while winning is important, he has urged the fans not to continue the rivalry outside the stadium.
“The final should be a place where fans come together in harmony. The rivalry should end the moment the final whistle is blown,” said Rizal.
“There will always be people who would use provocation but players should behave professionally while the fans should have their limits.
“Support your teams and create superb atmosphere but leave victory and defeat inside the stadium. Do not continue the feud outside the stadium.”
Rizal said the final could be the match where the fans can show that football can be an ideal unifying tool.
He hopes for the fans to show their maturity in supporting their respective teams and everyone would also embrace the Merdeka Day theme which is “Jiwa Merdeka (independent soul)”.
A final without chaos will also ease the unnecessary tension between the two footballing giants in the country and stadiums are still safe havens to enjoy matches without safety fears.
